Faculty Expert
Daphne King, EdD, MSW, LCSW
To speak with Dr. King, contact Mary Cunningham at 703-993-1931 or mcunni7@gmu.edu.
Teen dating violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking and can take place in person or electronically.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Online Teen Dating Violence
Youth increasingly develop their relationships and social networks through technology and interacting through online platforms. While social media has opened opportunities for positive connections, it can also be harmful to youth relationships. Electronic or online teen dating violence (TDV) is the occurrence of electronic aggression specifically within teen dating violence relationships.
TDV commonly occurs electronically, because teens are more likely to utilize online platforms for socialization. Experts know perpetrators of online TDV use platforms such as social media to harass, intimidate, spread lies, or non-consensually share information about the victim.
TDV, like adult intimate partner violence (IPV), includes physical and sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. Abuse of this nature, online or in-person, can lead to antisocial behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, substance abuse, and future unhealthy relationships.
George Mason University researcher Daphne King, EdD, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, wants to use Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February) to continue bringing awareness to TDV in young people and protect teens against its dangers.
4 warning signs of online teen dating violence
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Distrust and jealousy in the form of monitoring the actions of a partner on social media
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Having to share passwords/account information
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Sexting (sharing nude or compromising photo via text messaging or social media platforms)
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Threats via digital platforms
Risk Factors for Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence risk factors broadly fall into four categories:
- Sexual history, including:
- Sexual activity before the age of 16
- History of experiencing sexual abuse
- Family background, including:
- Minimal to nonexistent parental supervision
- Exposure to interparental or family violence
- Poor self-regulation skills, including:
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anger management issues
- Social environment, including:
- Interaction with peers who also engage in teen dating violence
- Participating in risky behaviors such as alcohol and substance misuse
- Growing up in a community that normalizes or accepts violence
10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence
10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence
- Using insults, intimidation, or humiliation
- Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or controlling behavior
- Isolation from friends and family
- Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
- Explosive temper or unusual moodiness
- Constantly monitoring social media activities or location
- Invasions of privacy; showing up unannounced
- Leaving unwanted items, gifts, or flowers
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Threatening or causing physical violence; scratches, bruises
Tips for Parents and Teens
Tips for Teens
- Learn about teen dating violence and how to detect the warning signs
- Talk openly with partners, friends, and parents about healthy relationships
- Know that violence (physical, verbal, or emotional) has no place in a healthy relationship
- Respect yourself and others
- Develop a healthy sense of who you are and self-esteem
- Be aware that victims can be any gender, sexual orientation, and race
- Get consent before touching a partner
- Discuss and communicate your boundaries with your partner
- Know that you are worthy of healthy relationships
- Stand up for others
Tips for Parents
- Talk honestly and openly with your teen about what healthy relationships look like and that violence (verbal, physical, or sexual) has no place in a healthy relationship
- Know and recognize the signs of abuse, as well as the facts about dating violence
- Discuss teen dating violence with your child and help them learn the warning signs
- Model healthy relationships
- Talk about teen dating violence with other parents to help reduce the stigma
Additional Resources
Teens and parents can visit loveisrespect.org or www.thatsnotcool.com for support and help. Additional resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.